Hydrogen-Rich Saline Reduces Brain Blood Vessel Spasms After Stroke in Rats
Beneficial effect of hydrogen-rich saline on cerebral vasospasm after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats
Research hubs: Brain & Nervous System · Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Yuan Hong, Songxue Guo, Sheng Chen, Chongran Sun, Jianmin Zhang, Xue-Jun Sun
- Journal
- Journal of Neuroscience Research
- Year
- 2012
- PMID
- 22589232
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Saline (Dissolved)
- Dose
- 5 ml/kg hydrogen-rich saline injected intraperitoneally immediately and at 24 hr after injury
- Duration
- 2 days
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 32 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Treating rats with hydrogen-rich saline improved brain health and reduced blood vessel narrowing after a type of stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich saline treatment significantly improved neurological outcomes and reduced basilar artery vasospasm in rats with experimentally induced subarachnoid hemorrhage, with benefits appearing to stem from reduced oxidative stress and inflammation.
Summary
Researchers studied whether hydrogen-rich saline could help prevent cerebral vasospasm (abnormal narrowing of blood vessels in the brain) that occurs after subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the space around the brain). In rats with experimentally induced brain bleeding, hydrogen-rich saline treatment improved neurological function and reduced blood vessel narrowing. The treatment appeared to work by reducing harmful molecules called free radicals and decreasing inflammation in blood vessels.
Practical Takeaway
While this rat study suggests hydrogen may help protect against blood vessel complications after brain bleeding, these results cannot yet be applied to humans. Much more research, including human clinical trials, would be needed before hydrogen therapy could be considered a treatment option for this serious condition.
Abstract (excerpt)
AbstractCerebral vasospasm (CV) remains a common and devastating complication in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Despite its clinical significance and extensive research, the underlying pathogenesis and therapeutic perspectives of CV remain incompletely understood. Recently, it has…